Anita M. James

Anita M. James, born October 9, 1926 in Herrin, Illinois to David John Davies and Beatrice Davies (nee Hanson), passed away on April 22, 2026 in Oakville, Missouri.

She moved to St. Louis, Missouri, during World War II and worked for the rail road. In 1946 she married and had a daughter in 1947. She went on to work for the St. Louis Globe Democrat and later the St. Louis Post Dispatch, retiring in 1992.

She married Donald L. James in 1976, and he passed away in 1996.

She was known for her kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and love of family and her dogs.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia James; her nephews John (the late Angela) Smith and David (Cathy) Davies; niece Maryellen Davies; as well as her great-nieces Stacey (Michael) Chrostoski, Tracey (Phil) Skuta, Amy Jo Flowers, Nicole Gusentine; and great-nephew Jody Threlkeld. She is also survived by great-great-nieces, Samantha and Tabitha Skuta, Hannah Choate; and great-great-nephew C.J. Skuta.

She will be dearly missed by her beloved dog, Rhys.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. James; father, David John Davies; mother, Beatrice Davies; brothers, Horace (Thelma) Davies and Archie (Eileen) Davies; sister, Bettie (Edward) Smith; and niece, Barrie (Robert) Penninger.

A Celebration of Life is planned to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday on Sunday, October 11, 2026. A gathering will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home of West County, 2211 Clarkson Road in Chesterfield. Please check back for gathering times.

Anita will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in Lakewood Park Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Anita's love of animals (especially dogs), please consider a donation to Morris Animal Foundation or an animal rescue organization of your choice.

To share a memory of Anita or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.